Need thoughts about brakes.....
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Need thoughts about brakes.....
I had put an aftermarket chrome reservoir on Amy's sportster last summer. (along with handlebars, levers, clutch, etc, etc...)
When Amy pulls her brake lever in, it has a short stroke and is very hard. I could best compare it to a car that has power brakes and the booster goes out. The brakes still work (kinda, just not as well) but are hard.
I've checked everything and rebled the brakes but for the life of me, can't figure out what the deal is. The only thing I can figure is the brake reservoir was an ebay special and I got what I paid for.
I'm thinking that perhaps there is chrome flashing down inside, the holes aren't the right size, etc, etc... I don't understand the deal.
Has anyone ever come across this? I've taken it to two bike shops and both are clueless. I'm thinking I need to just spend the 300+ bucks and buy one from HD.
The pads are still stock (less than 2K miles) but do have stainless braided brake lines.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
When Amy pulls her brake lever in, it has a short stroke and is very hard. I could best compare it to a car that has power brakes and the booster goes out. The brakes still work (kinda, just not as well) but are hard.
I've checked everything and rebled the brakes but for the life of me, can't figure out what the deal is. The only thing I can figure is the brake reservoir was an ebay special and I got what I paid for.
I'm thinking that perhaps there is chrome flashing down inside, the holes aren't the right size, etc, etc... I don't understand the deal.
Has anyone ever come across this? I've taken it to two bike shops and both are clueless. I'm thinking I need to just spend the 300+ bucks and buy one from HD.
The pads are still stock (less than 2K miles) but do have stainless braided brake lines.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Need thoughts about brakes.....
Hey Matey sounds to me like you've got the wrong size pump. By that I mean you've got the wrong bore in the master cylinder but check it out with a real tech. sometimes you have to ask the question to get the right answer. maybe check it out with a general mechanic rather than a specialist H-D who would love to sell you a new reservior.
LOAF
LOAF
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 61
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From: Burnsville, Minnesota, USA
RE: Need thoughts about brakes.....
I agree that the master cylinder pump size might be different in this chrome unit, and inadequate ⌠Have you reinstalled the original reservoir to see if the problem goes away yet?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,302
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From: SW Corner of NW Corner
RE: Need thoughts about brakes.....
I agree with what folks have said regarding the bore, and that for a single caliper you sould be using 9/16ths.
Curious if you changed to ss braided cables when you made all the changes. This will affect the "feel" for the lever - if you did make the change, it could be a combination of the bore and that the cables behave differently (they don't bulge under pressure like stock, giving a stiffer feeling at the lever)
Curious if you changed to ss braided cables when you made all the changes. This will affect the "feel" for the lever - if you did make the change, it could be a combination of the bore and that the cables behave differently (they don't bulge under pressure like stock, giving a stiffer feeling at the lever)
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 2
From: Winslow, Arizona
RE: Need thoughts about brakes.....
About three months ago I removed one disc from the front of my RK, converting it to a single disc up front. I had a 9/16 MC kicking around in the shed, but had to get a different brake line and banjo bolt in order to use it, so I just rode with the 11/16 MC til the parts came in. With the 11/16 MC, the front brake felt exactly like you describe Amy's as feeling- the lever barely moved when sqeezed, and it was like squeezing a hunk of wood.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
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From: Bellville, Tx
RE: Need thoughts about brakes.....
I have a similar brake lever action, however I designed it that way. Have WG dual discs on the front but wanted good control because of the skinny tire and long forks. I have to really grab a big handfull to lock up the brakes but normal braking will never do that. The geometry of my chopper makes it a real challenge to avoid lock up if I'm not going absolutely straight.The grip pressure is very controllable with the 5/8" bore piston. I normally brake with just 2 fingers(a hangover from my crotch rocket days).
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